Earthy Quinoa Risotto

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Quinoa  Risotto is a perfect vegetarian dish, especially since this pseudo-grain has many proteins not usually found in other vegetables and grains.  Adding the earthy flavors of mushrooms and eggplant give the dish a hearty “meaty” feel, and sweet peppers and onions add color and flavor.  With the current bounty of vegetables, it is the perfect time to try out some new meatless recipes. This one will even satisfy the carnivores, but if you need to team it with meat it is pretty flexible, and will pair well with most.

This Earthy vegetarian Quinoa Risotto recipe is gluten-free, low in fat and calories, and if you don’t sprinkle grated cheese on top of it, like I did, it also vegan.  Using precooked quinoa for this faux risotto also makes this a quick meal to put together, perfect for busy work nights.

5 from 2 votes

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Quinoa Risotto

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

 

An earthy vegetarian quinoa risotto recipe. (low fat, gluten free, vegan)

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Ecclectic, gluten-free

Servings: 4

Calories: 113 kcal

Author: Robin Gagnon

Ingredients

• 1/2 tbs olive oil
• 1 cup eggplant cut in bite size chunks
• 1 sweet onion chopped
• 3-5 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dry
• 1/2 clove garlic crushed/minced
• 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup crimini mushrooms sliced , baby portabella
• 1 cup precooked quinoa
• 2 tbs. white wine
• 1/3 cup roasted peppers red and yellow , chopped
• 5-6 fresh basil leaves chopped

Instructions

1. Place the oil in non-stick skillet over med-high heat.
2. Once pan is hot, add eggplant, onions, thyme, garlic and salt.
3. Saute for a few minutes until onions are soft. Add mushrooms.
4. Once mushrooms are nearly cooked, add the quinoa, wine and peppers. Stir and reduce heat to low-med.
5. Cover and allow to cook for about 5 minutes. (Stir once or twice during cooking).
6. Serve warm topped with chopped fresh basil (+ grated Parmesan if you are not vegan)

Recipe Notes

This vegetarian quinoa recipe makes 2 entree servings or about 4 side dish servings. Nutritional info is calculated for side dish portion, double for entree.

Nutrition Facts

Quinoa Risotto

Amount Per Serving

Calories 113 Calories from Fat 18

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 2g 3%

Sodium 461mg 19%

Potassium 282mg 8%

Total Carbohydrates 18g 6%

Dietary Fiber 2g 8%

Sugars 5g

Protein 3g 6%

Vitamin A 1.7%

Vitamin C 11.9%

Calcium 2.9%

Iron 5.8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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